Santa Monica College
Chem 9 scholars - Fall 2024
EVERYDAY CHEMISTRY - Section 1412
Hybrid course
Online coursework combined with on-campus labs and exams
Lecture/Exam Meeting: Fridays, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. in SCI 155
Lab Meeting: Fridays, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in SCI 322
This course is part of the SMC Scholars Program. There is a focus on academic preparation and study for university-level work through writing, critical thinking, and analysis throughout the semester. An enriched learning experience includes a project-based e-waste assignment, visiting an LADWP water facility, and guest speakers on recycling, factory farming, and the SMC Sustainability Center.
About Chem 9 - Everyday Chemistry
Sustainability and Chemistry
Chem 9: Everyday Chemistry is a laboratory-requirement course designed for non-majors.
Introduces chemistry-related topics pertaining to everyday life. Includes topics such as renewable energy, clean air and water and global climate change using a mostly non-mathematical approach. Course learning objectives:
Observe the natural world with an understanding of the particulate nature of matter.
Distinguish between opinion, philosophy, and empirical evidence for phenomena using knowledge of the process of scientific inquiry.
Apply critical thinking skills to make evidence based decisions on issues that affect the environment and the community.
Communicate basic chemistry concepts effectively orally and in writing.
By the end of the course, you will learn some chemistry, particularly as it relates to every day occurrences, both large-scale and small.
About Me - Education Info
I've been teaching chemistry at Santa Monica College since 2002. Since 2012, I've taught a chemistry course designed for non-majors students; it introduces sustainability-related topics (such as climate change, renewable energy, ocean acidification) through the lens of chemistry. Because of environmental concerns are continually evolving and also tied to the social and political climates, there's always something new to learn or consider.
Current and past students - contact me using Canvas Inbox
Direct email (wong_wenise@smc.edu)
Online office hours (drop in): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Zoom
On campus problem-solving sessions (drop in): Fridays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - conference room of Science Learning Resource Center, SCI 247
B.S. Combined Sciences
I grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Santa Clara University.
Ph.D. Biochemistry
As a teaching assistant and graduate student in the Chemistry department at UCLA, I learned to love Los Angeles and its year-round sunshine.